Our Mission

iFLY Youth's mission is to develop middle school girls of color into global leaders through international travel and community building.

We prioritize girls who normally wouldn't have the opportunity to travel due to financial restraint.

Become an iFLY Scholar

"I never imagined at the age of 13 going out of the country and I just think that it was one of the greatest things that ever happened to me.”

--NaTaya

Travel With a Pupose

Our Programming

Our iFLY Scholars Program is an international travel and leadership development program for middle school girls of color. Each summer we host a three week summer camp in Washington, DC, which is followed by a one week trip abraod to Costa Rica.

All scholars are selected through an application process. Please sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on when the next application will launch.

“My favorite part of the trip was getting to experience just how it felt to have a little freedom.”

--ANA

Gain Life Skills

iFLY Scholars don’t just take a trip, they spend three weeks at our DC-based summer camp preparing for their trip! This approach ensures that they are able to bond with their cohort and learn valuable skills like converting currency and travel safety before they depart.

Take on the World

Each summer our scholars embark on a week-long journey to a new country. We participate in a variety of activities such as visiting historical sites, trying new foods, learning new languages and completing a service project.

Understand Others

iFLY Scholars participate in discussions on topics such as stereotyping and engage in activities that allow them to understand the perspectives of others. It is our hope that each girl walks away with the ability to form relationships with individuals despite the differences that may exist.

Build Confidence

Stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying new experiences helps build confidence. Through travel, our scholars learn that they are brave enough, saavy enough, and confident enough to conquer the world.

"I've changed in the way I see things and in confidence because now that I've been to another country I don't think I can really be scared anymore."

--MARIAMA

Cidney King

About the Founder

Cidney (King) Farley has more than ten years of experience working to eliminate the opportunity gap that persists among students of color. After graduating from the University of Missouri in 2012, Cidney joined the Teach For America Corps and taught 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade English in Houston, Texas. During her time in the corps, she pushed her students to surpass the limitations society had set for them and empowered them to become the next change agents in their community. In 2016, Cidney moved to Abu Dhabi and continued mentoring young minds as a 6th-grade math teacher.

Upon returning to United States after living abroad and traveling to nearly 15 countries, Cidney noticed a shortage of affordable short-term study abroad and leadership development opportunities for middle school girls of color in the DC Metropolitan Area. IFLY Youth was created in response to this shortage and continues to grow under Cidney’s leadership with the goal of giving girls of color an equal opportunity to see the world.

Cidney received her Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri with honors and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Inc.

"Since participating in the iFLY Scholars Program, I am more independent and more responsible."

--KELLY

Meet Our Team

Cidney Farley

Executive Director

Breanna Wright

President

Marchan Clark

Treasurer

Courtney Wright

Secretary

Chasity Nickleson

Board Member

Chizi Igwe

Board Member

Khiana Clemons

Board Member

Kristen Paonessa

Board Member

Natalie Felton

Board Member

Nia Jackson

Board Member

Nichole Grogan

Board Member

Priscilla Thompson

Board Member

Rachael Hawk

Board Member

Selena Hailemicael

Board Member
iFLY Youth's mission is to develop middle school girls of color into global leaders through international travel and community building. We prioritize girls who normally wouldn't have the opportunity to travel due to financial restraints.

info@ifly-youth.org

(301) 284-0231

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iFLY Youth is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, funded through grants, corporate giving and in-kind contributions and donations from individuals who are passionate about giving all girls the opportunity to see the world.
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